How Much Does it Cost to Move Cross Country?

Cross-country move cost averages

The average cost to move cross-country ranges from $4,400 to $17,000, with an average cost of $7,780, according to Allied Van Lines.

This is significantly more than other types of moves. A local move is typically considered under 50 miles and averages $1,650, while a long-distance move, which usually covers up to 400 miles, averages $6,250. Only an international move costs more, averaging up to $18,000.

PODS defines a long-distance move as anything over 400 miles, but some movers may consider just 100 miles long-distance. Be sure to ask your mover about their minimums and associated charges.

Average moving costs by type of move

Below are the typical price ranges for different types of moves.

» RELATED: The best moving companies

Sample cross-country moving costs for popular routes

Pricing will vary based on your specific move, but the table below illustrates cost differences between the most popular routes.

» MORE: Best moving containers

Cost to move cross-country by home size

The size of your home largely dictates how much it costs to move cross-country. The larger your home, the more furniture and belongings it is likely to hold.

Typical moving costs based on number of bedrooms

As these estimates show, prices can fluctuate significantly from a one-bedroom apartment to a four-bedroom house when moving 1,000 to over 2,500 miles.

Typical moving costs based on number of bedrooms and weight

As you can see from the data below, weight can also play a role. A home costs more to move if it is filled with heavier furniture and more boxes than another property of the same size.

To get a better idea of cross-country moving costs, inventory your belongings to estimate what you will sell and what you will actually move.

Cost to move cross-country by mileage

Moving companies will calculate the distance between your starting address and end destination to determine transportation costs. They typically charge by the mile when calculating your quote. Therefore, it is important to share your starting and ending points.

Below, you'll find average moving costs broken down by mileage and home size.

Cost to move cross-country by mileage and weight

Your cross-country moving company may also calculate mileage based on your shipment's weight, as heavier shipments can increase fuel and other transportation costs.

The table below shows average moving costs based on shipment weight and distance traveled.

One of the most important factors when calculating the cost to move cross-country is your destination. Your specific starting point and destination can easily change these estimates. To accurately calculate your moving quote, you will need to supply your beginning and ending addresses.

Cost to move cross-country by state

This is a look at the average moving costs from popular coastal states.

Cross-country move cost factors

When determining how much it costs to move cross-country, it’s easy to focus on distance alone. However, multiple factors affect how much you pay.

When estimating cross-country moving costs, be sure to account for these additional factors.

• Type of move. A full-service moving company can be the most convenient option for your move, but also the most expensive. You also have the option to move yourself with a rental truck or use a moving container service. Also, consider how your belongings will be moved; while trucks are common, some moving companies may ship via sea or air.
• Distance. The farther you move, the more you will pay in transportation costs, such as fuel and tolls. While local movers may charge by the hour, long-distance movers usually charge by total distance. More remote, rural areas and additional stops may add to the cost.
• Size. The cost to move an apartment or condo cross-country is not the same as the cost to move a four-bedroom house the same distance. Many cross-country moving companies charge by weight, so you pay more the more belongings you have.
• Fuel. Most cross-country moving quotes do not include fuel, instead adding it as a separate charge. Although not always seen with local moves, this separate line item is common in long-distance moves over 400 miles.
• Transportation costs. You may incur additional costs, such as toll fees, state-specific permits and escorts for oversized loads.
• Time. Spring and summer can be more expensive, as they are peak season for cross-country moves. Many moving companies offer the best rates for winter and fall moves during the week. It can also be cheaper to move in the middle of the month rather than at the beginning or end.
• Special circumstances. Certain obstacles may complicate and lengthen your move, such as apartment building stairs, narrow pathways, small elevators or difficult parking. You may also have to pay extra to move special items, such as a car, pool table or piano.
• Additional services. Most movers also offer additional services, such as packing and loading. You may need to pay for moving supplies, including custom materials for specialty or fragile items.
• Storage. Sometimes, your move-out and move-in dates do not align, or perhaps you are downsizing to a smaller place. In these situations, storage can be worth the expense, but it also adds to your total costs.
• Gratuity. Many choose to tip their movers after the move is complete. Although not mandatory, it is common practice for a job well done.

Costs can vary significantly based on how your moving company approaches these factors.

Before hiring a mover, take the time to work with a representative to ensure you receive all the services you need without the ones you don’t. An itemized invoice can help you understand exactly what you are being charged for.

» LEARN: Moving yourself vs. hiring movers

Cross-country moving insurance

Moving insurance is an important consideration when preparing for your move.

Accidents, weather events and unexpected incidents along the way can damage, destroy or even result in the loss of your most valued belongings.

Moving insurance provides liability protection throughout your move. All licensed interstate movers in the U.S. must offer two types of liability coverage:

• Released Value Protection. With this basic protection, you receive limited coverage of up to 60 cents per pound per item.
• Full Value Protection. This covers the full replacement value of any items that are lost or damaged during your move.

Cross-country moving quotes and fees

Your estimate should include several specific charges.

• Loading and unloading
• Transportation
• Labor costs
• Taxes and fees
• Fuel costs 

Other services, such as packing and storage, may be available as add-ons.

To help, several movers, such as North American Van Lines, offer moving cost calculators. These tools can help you estimate more realistic costs for your move based on your specific needs.

Watch out for signs of moving scams to ensure your moving company is legitimate. North American Van Lines shares these tips to help protect your cross-country move.

Additional considerations

When you cross state lines, federal requirements may apply. You are required to obtain authorization from two federal organizations: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT).

There are also state-specific regulations you may have to comply with, such as special tax requirements. You may benefit from tax deductions, depending on where you are moving to.

Ask your moving company about their credentials to ensure they comply with any applicable federal and state requirements.

How to cut cross-country moving costs

Moving cross-country is not cheap, so it helps to cut costs where you can.

These moving tips can help you lower the cost of moving cross-country.

• Downsize first. Before you begin packing, go through your things and sell or donate what you can. Because most cross-country moves are based on weight, you can save money by reducing what you take to your new house, thus lightening the load.
• Get more involved. You can save money by doing some of the work yourself. For example, you can save on labor costs by packing and loading the truck yourself.
• Consider the timing of your move. If you have flexibility with your moving date, ask your mover about cheaper times to move. Moving over the weekend in the spring or summer is generally the most expensive time to move.
• Book early. The earlier you book, the cheaper your move may be. Your moving company may offer discounted pricing or incentives when you book your move well in advance.
• Shop movers. Collecting multiple quotes from the top moving companies can help you choose the right mover. Make time to compare reviews to see what kind of experience other customers have had so you know what to expect.

Your moving company may also suggest other cost-saving strategies for a cheap move.

FAQ

Bottom line

Moving cross-country is an investment, but your total cost will depend on many factors — including your starting point, destination, home size and the services you select.

To get the best value, compare quotes from several reputable moving companies, review their services and policies and check recent customer reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com. Careful planning and research can help you find the right mover and avoid unnecessary expenses.